The Progressive Kicker by Michael O'Brien – Time Machine Softcover Book Test

The Time Machine Softcover: A Mentalism Book Test

The Progressive Kicker by Michael O'Brien turns The Time Machine into a prop for thought-of-word revelations, predictions and surprise endings. This listing is the softcover edition, distinct from the hardcover version and other titles in the Progressive range.

A participant chooses a word from the book, and you reveal what they are thinking. The system is designed to work without memorizing lists of words, letting you concentrate on your presentation and your connection with the audience.

Build a Routine That Progresses

Start with a direct word revelation, then develop the performance through additional phases. The Progressive Book Test allows three words from different parts of the book to be revealed in a single sequence, with each revelation increasing in scale.

• Flashback: identify the first word of a page without forcing the page or knowing its number.
• Flashforward: reveal a word on the first line of the next page.
• Inception: use a word-planting presentation.
• Any Word on Any Page: explore a hands-off thought-of-word routine.
• Tossed Out Book: involve multiple spectators in a mind-reading sequence.
• Hands-Free Forcing: force a word or page without touching the book.

Add a Kicker Ending

The Kicker approach expands the possibilities beyond a straightforward revelation. Present a prediction of a chosen word, or explore a vanishing-page finale and other customized endings described in the product demonstration.

Use individual routines for a shorter performance or combine phases into a structured mentalism piece. The range of approaches gives you room to vary the presentation rather than repeat the same revelation.

“This is the best Book Test I have ever seen!”
— Jack Goldfinger, Entertainment Director at the World Famous Magic Castle

Michael O'Brien credits Josh Zandman and Kaleb Wade for contributions and inspiration to the project.